Application Deadlines

This Graduate Training Program is a two-semester commitment that includes fall and spring semesters (August through May). The Student Counseling Center (SCC) will only consider applicants who specify interest and availability for the fall and spring semesters. In addition, applicants must have a minimum of one semester of clinical practicum experience by their start date in August. The application deadline for our Fall 2024-Spring 2025 cohort has been extended to Friday, May 3rd, 2024. 

How to Apply

The SCC Graduate Training Program is only open to students enrolled in a master's or Doctoral program. Please note this is an unpaid practicum/internship opportunity. All interested applicants must email the below materials to StuCounseling@tamusa.edu. Required materials include:

• Resume or CV (Please have previous and current clinical practicum experience)
• Completed Graduate Trainee Application
  
• Three professional references (one reference must be either a current or last clinical supervisor)

Program Requirements

Orientation: All graduate trainees are required to complete an orientation program before the beginning of the fall semester. Completion of the orientation program will likely require between 20 and 35 hours. The necessary time is based on each trainee's prior counseling experience, completed coursework, and progress during orientation. During the summer semester in the Student Counseling Center, orientation occurs during regular office hours.

Required Days and Times: Thursdays 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM for Staff Meeting and Case Consultation. Graduate trainees must commit to a minimum of 16 hours per week at our site (trainees are allowed to be on-site for longer than 16 hours per week if needed). This time includes direct service hours, clinical documentation/administrative responsibilities, and clinical supervision obligations. Other than the orientation described in the above requirements, trainees are only required to be on-site during the times that academic courses are in session. 

Duration of Placement: Trainees should expect to be on-site for both fall and spring semesters (August through May), approximately 32-34 weeks.

Training Activities

• Individual supervision
• Group supervision/Case Consultation
• Individual Therapy
• Group Therapy
• Initial appointments
• Educational Outreach
• Professional Development/In-Service training
• Clinical case presentations

Training Philosophy Statement

SCC staff are deeply committed, professionally and ethically, to the fields of Counseling, Psychology, and Social work. An essential outgrowth of this professional identification is a strong commitment to the preparation of skilled counselors, social workers, and psychologists. The Student Counseling Center adopts a practitioner-scholar model of training in which trainees of all levels are expected to think critically and utilize current research in the provision of mental health services. The training of students occurs within an environment that recognizes the unique developmental needs of each individual as well as the professional identity of the discipline in which the student is being trained (e.g., counseling, psychology, and social work). 

While most training occurs in supervision, consultation, and service delivery, trainees also participate in in-service training, case consultations, and other professional activities to complement their training and prepare them for entry-level positions as mental health service providers. Because the staff believes that personal development and maturity are cornerstones of professional competence and identity, every effort is made to provide a supportive environment that will model and attend to personal growth.

SCC provides a wide range of mental health services to a diverse clientele, making it an excellent setting for the practical training of counselors, psychologists, and social workers. To benefit from this experience, the trainee must possess adequate skills in the professions of counseling, psychology, and social work and be prepared to integrate the theoretical and applied aspects of the science and art of the profession(s). This collaborative atmosphere is an essential trademark of the center's training philosophy. All professional and support staff endeavor to make the trainees feel they are members of this professional team.

Graduate Trainee Stipends

The SCC recognizes the time and financial commitment of participating in a two-semester internship experience with our clinic and is pleased to offer monetary support to our Graduate Trainees. The stipend amount total is $1500.00 and is distributed in two installments ($750.00 per academic semester, fall and spring). Graduate Trainees are required to complete a full academic semester in our clinic before monies are distributed.